The Science and Engineering Research Stipend Program is a key government initiative in Korea aimed at strengthening the research ecosystem and nurturing scientific talent. Managed by the Ministry of Science and ICT, the program ensures stable research conditions for graduate students in science and engineering fields. It is part of a broader national agenda to foster a robust foundation for basic research and to realize Korea’s ambitions as a science and technology powerhouse. By linking government R&D funding with university student support, the program guarantees minimum monthly stipends for master’s and doctoral students.
In 2026, the program will expand to include eight additional universities, increasing the total from 35 to 43. This expansion will raise the number of students receiving the guaranteed monthly stipend from 47,000 to 52,000. Newly selected universities include Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Pukyong National University, Dankook University, Incheon National University, Jeonbuk National University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Korea Aerospace University, and Hongik University. The program covers a wide range of institutions, including national flagship universities and specialized engineering and aviation schools, ensuring diverse graduate students benefit from the support.
Implementation for the new universities begins in March 2024, with tailored consulting and on-site support to ensure smooth adoption of the program. The government will continue to monitor and support the integration of the stipend system, including customized consulting on operational procedures and ongoing communication to address challenges. The program has already demonstrated positive results: in 2023, average monthly stipends increased by about 10% for both master’s and doctoral students at participating universities. Further expansion is planned for the second half of 2024, with additional universities to be selected through a public call.
Frequently asked questions include how the stipend amounts are determined and what incentives exist for participating universities. The program guarantees at least 800,000 KRW per month for master’s students and 1,100,000 KRW for doctoral students, with additional government support linked to university R&D projects. Universities that excel in meeting program standards may receive extra research funding, and outstanding program managers may be recognized for their contributions. For more details, interested parties can consult the IRIS system or the National Research Foundation website.
The expansion of the Science and Engineering Research Stipend Program reflects Korea’s strategic focus on nurturing scientific talent and strengthening its research ecosystem. By increasing the number of participating universities and raising stipend levels, the government is making research careers more attractive and sustainable for graduate students. The inclusion of specialized and regional institutions ensures a more equitable distribution of support. Ongoing evaluation and incentives for excellence are likely to drive further improvements in research quality and student support.